The Ultra 94 GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama season opener did not disappoint race fans this weekend. The event ran for 45 minutes under the green flag and provided spectators a thrilling battle between our own Daniel Morad and Open Road Road Racing’s Scott Hargrove for top position. Morad found himself in P2 alongside Hargrove on the starting grid. For those of you who were following last year’s series, this set-up may have looked familiar—the closing race of the 2015 season saw the exact same set up. The outcome of this race, however, would be different.

 

As the pace car left the track, Hargrove, who is tasked to keep the pace as the pole sitter, slowed down just a little leading up to the green flag. This allowed Morad to get a slight edge and charge into turn one with an advantage, allowing him to take the lead.

 

For the duration of the 45-minute race Daniel never gave that lead up, but it was still far from an easy victory. For the majority of the race, Hargrove was right there, looking for an opening or opportunity. And he wasn’t the only challenger. Mark Motors’ Zach Robichon and Marco Cirone were close behind for the duration of the race. But Morad never blinked and, despite some hard driving by Hargove, including some contact, Daniel drove to victory.

 

Michael de Quesada started his charge in fifth position and looked to make up ground after a disappointing qualifying session the day before. The youngest member of the team, at 16, drew upon his experience at the GT3 Cup Challenge USA (in which he is the series leader) and worked the track. Unfortunately, he made contact with another driver mid race and spun off the track. Not one to throw in the towel, De Quesada managed to rejoin the field again and closed the gap on his competitors, finishing in seventh place.

 

Veteran driver Tim Sanderson ran a clean race and made some gains after de Quesada’s misfortune, completing the race in sixth place.

 

Tomorrow is another day for the team – and we’ll be looking for that next podium finish.

 

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Date Posted: May 22, 2016